PolyU welcomes the Development Outline for the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) welcomes the Government’s announcement of the Development Outline for the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone (the Hong Kong Park). The Outline sets out a clear development plan for the Hong Kong Park, and innovative policies facilitating the exchange of talent and resources between the Hong Kong Park and the Shenzhen Park in the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone (Hetao Co-operation Zone). These initiatives lay a solid foundation for developing the Hetao Co-operation Zone into a world-class innovation and technology (I&T) hub, thereby fostering additional momentum for Hong Kong’s development into an international I&T centre and promoting the high-quality economic growth of the city.

PolyU is committed to nurturing I&T talents, and has collaborated closely with local and international universities, research institutes, I&T platforms, quangos, enterprises, and the industrial sector to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, translating research outcomes into practical solutions. Looking ahead, PolyU will continue to work in partnership with the Government and relevant stakeholders to support and promote the development of the Hong Kong Park.

Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President stated, “We fully support the Outline and believe that it can help transform the Hetao Co-operation Zone into a crucial source of new quality productive forces for the country. The Outline delineates the development strategy for the Hong Kong Park, aiming to explore the trial implementation of innovative facilitation measures with respect to the flow of personnel, materials, capital and data between the Hong Kong Park and the Shenzhen Park. Convenient and effective cross-boundary flow of innovation elements is essential for developing the Hetao Co-operation Zone into an international I&T hub for the Greater Bay Area (GBA). This approach can help leverage the strengths of both Hong Kong and Shenzhen. If the policies prove feasible, they could be extended to other GBA cities.”

PolyU has cutting-edge research laboratories and centres, including two state key laboratories, two Hong Kong branches of Chinese National Engineering Research Centres, four Chinese Academy of Sciences – PolyU Joint Laboratories, and 30 university research centres. These facilities foster frontier research and innovation across various disciplines, such as life and health technology, AI and data science, advanced manufacturing and new energy, and new materials.

In 2022, PolyU established the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR), which is the largest research platform of its kind in the GBA, focusing on mission-driven frontier research in areas of socioeconomic importance. Currently, 19 research institutes and centres have been established under PAIR, further enhancing PolyU’s commitment to advancing innovation with tangible societal impact.

PolyU has established three research centres under two InnoHK research clusters. Recently, the University also received a generous donation from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to establish eight Jockey Club STEM Labs.

PolyU has played a significant role in enlarging Hong Kong’s I&T talent pool. Currently, the University has more than 7,000 faculty members, alumni, and postgraduate research students on campus engaged in research activities. PolyU has been actively recruiting distinguished overseas scholars, including 13 internationally renowned scholars selected for the Government-initiated Global STEM Professorship Scheme to lead innovative research projects. This year, 355 scholars from the University have been recognised in Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists list, placing PolyU third among tertiary institutions in Hong Kong.

Over the years, PolyU has nurtured over 500 startups through the PolyVentures ecosystem, involving more than 7,600 entrepreneurs. Recently, the University also signed cooperation agreements with eight companies to establish strategic partnerships. The parties will leverage their respective strengths in research and industry to nurture I&T leaders and entrepreneurs, with a view to accelerating the incubation and growth of startups, while providing comprehensive support for PolyU students, alumni and academics who are committed to entrepreneurship.

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